‘Game of Thrones’ honor index: ‘Dark Wings, Dark Words’

The fictional land of Westeros from HBO’sGame of Throneshas its fair share of good and evil. Each week we’ll look back at Sunday night’s episode and determine which characters’ actions were most respectable and which were deplorable. Here’s this week’s ranking of the high- highs and low- lows.

MAP: Most Admirable Players

4. Osha– I was delighted in Osha’s return this episode, which might as well have been the second half of episode one since it really just got us all caught up on what’s been going on since last season’s finale. Osha, like Shae, continues to show unwavering commitment to the Stark children. Her party isn’t the easiest to manage what with the crippled Bran, young Rickon and oafish Hodor, but Osha pushes forward with urgency and safety in mind. Realistically, she’s had the chance to ditch them all and continue on a Free Folk, but the woman is too far invested in caring for the Starks. Her hesitant acceptance of the Reeds earns her two thumbs up.

Photo: HBO

3. Jaime Lannister– I know, a Lannister on the Most Admirable Players’ list seems kind of crazy, but I had nothing but respect for the way Jaime played the game this week. In reality, most of the things the King Slayer does are slimy and downright wrong, but his skills and smarts as a knight are commendable. Between snatching Brienne’s sword (the fight was a shining moment this week) and knowing, just knowing that the “innocent” townsman would recognize him, Jaime delivered this episode. Finally, his subtle proclamation that “we don’t get to choose who we love” and his entertaining back-and-forth with Brienne catapulted Jaime up the list this week.

2. Arya Stark- The youngest Stark girl continues to cement her role as the biggest little bad-ass in Westeros. When encountered by the outlaws known as the Brothers Without Banners, she immediately steps up to the plate, while her older and much larger compadres hide cowardly. She shows confidence for her age and not exactly up-to-par fencing skills and almost continues to mask her true identity before The Hound outs her. The episode ends and we’re unsure about Arya’s future but we’ve seen her as a prisoner before and her resourceful nature should help the girl out. (Sidenote: Though the story has only unfolded a few days since season two, it’s clear that months have passed in the taping schedule, as the Stark children have all aged during the off time. I don’t think we’ll see Arya confused for a boy anymore.)

1. Margaery Tyrell– This chick is official the most interesting character in season three. What can’t Margaery do right now? She understands the power of allies. Sansa shares more with Margaery about Joffrey then she’s offered up from day one in King’s Landing. All it takes is some lemon cakes and coaxing. She reads people like they’re nursery rhymes. Joffrey went from insulting and accusing her to eating out of the palm of her hand within minutes. All she had to do was show a similar interest in his monstrous pastimes and proclivities. And, she plays the game like she’s Bobby Fisher. Her moves are calculated in a way that out-smarts and out-charms. Plus, bonus points for having the coolest grandmother since the Dowager Countess. If you told me two weeks ago that Margaery Tyrell would earn two consecutive spots as #1, I’d call you crazy but she’s done it.

MDP: Most Despicable Players

4. Cersei Lannister– In an episode with fewer “bad” players than “good” players (Shae, Brienne, Sansa & Lady Olenna all could have all made that list), Cersei’s jealousy and surly demeanor earn her a spot amongst the despicable. As her relationship with Joffrey grows more strained, she relies on insults and name calling to get power. Insulting Margaery’s harlot-ty and calculating ways doesn’t entirely work for Cersei, as Joffrey is more than a little intrigued by the older beauty. Oh Cersei, sweetie, you’ve raised this little sociopath and it’s clear that your influence over him is running out. It’s time for Cersei to take a cue from her future DIL and use a new course of action more creative than name calling to gain back some power.

3. Catelyn Stark– Catelyn Stark’s confession about wishing the death upon a “motherless child” from years ago comes to light in her talk with Robb’s new wife, Talisa. It turns out she blames herself for the horrible turn of events that her family’s experienced over the last few years. After Jon Snow was struck with life-threatening smallpox, Catelyn promised the gods that upon his survival she’d make him one of her own and treat him with love. However, Catelyn reveals that she couldn’t do that. It’s clear that she takes responsibility for her actions (or lack thereof), but in the land of Westeros, it is entirely possible and plausible that broken promises to the higher powers result in dire consequences. The Starks, especially, understand the importance of integrity and Catelyn’s inability to uphold the commitment to treat an innocent child with decency is difficult to justify. Though years have passed since the smallpox incidence, the confession adds a new layer to the story and earns Catelyn a spot on the list.

Photo: HBO

2. Rast– The member of the Night’s Watch, who continues to be a terrible person, spends his limited screen time taunting and demoralizing the loveable but weak Samwell Tarly. Rast lets him know that he deserves to be left behind. His words cause Sam to just about give up but Lord Commander Mormont steps in commanding Rast to keep Sam alive or suffer the consequence of death. Karma, Rast, karma.

1. Joffrey Baratheon– Oh, Joffrey. It only took two episodes for the psychopathic king to earn the #1 spot on the list. Between his suggestion that homosexuality should be a “perversion punishable by death” and his very apparent turn-on (women who love to kill things), Joffrey reminds us all why he should be not in power. In the limited interactions we see, it’s clear that Joffrey respects no one, not his tailor, his mother or his betrothed. Also, fun fact: The boar that Joffrey has hanging in his bedroom is the one that killed Robert Baratheon… Definitely a nice keepsake that really screams, “Good memories.”

Sound off, people! What’d you think of episode two? The episode was a sure place setter for the action to come and I look forward to it!

Final thoughts:

Character I would not want to switch places with: Theon Greyjoy
Character I go back and forth between loving and loathing: The Hound
Character who needs to get more screen time: Tyrion Lannister
Character I’m most excited to get to know: Jojen Reed